Williams Ties Big West Record, Named Player of the Week for Fifth Time

Alan Williams was named Big West Player of the Week for the fifth time this season, tying the league record. (Photo by Eric Isaacs)

Feb 24, 2014

IRVINE, Calif. - UC Santa Barbara junior Alan Williams (Phoenix, Ariz./North HS) tied a conference single-season record with his fifth Big West Men's Basketball Player of the Week honor after averaging a double-double in a pair of home victories.

With his fifth honor, Williams is tied with Long Beach State's Aaron Nixon (2006-07) and Pacific's Michael Olowokandi (1997-98) for the most in a season. In addition, his seven career honors tie him for second all-time.

"As with all of the other times, Alan is very deserving of this honor," said head coach Bob Williams. "He came up big in both games and we were 2-0."

Williams contributed 19 points, 15 rebounds and two blocked shots in a 55-54 win over UC Riverside. He hit 7 of 8 free throws. Williams made two of his baskets and scored six of his points in the final 1:50 to help UCSB stave off the Highlanders.

The 6-7 center notched 22 points and 18 rebounds to cement his 13th double-double of the season in an 80-65 win over Cal State Fullerton. He managed the 22 points on just 11 field goal attempts, and added three blocked shots as the win propelled the Gauchos into a first-place tie with UC Irvine.

Williams has produced 15 or more rebounds in five of the last six games, and he's had 17 or more four times. He now leads the nation in rebounds at 12.0 per game.

The Gauchos (18-7 overall, 9-3 in the Big West) are tied for first with UC Irvine and the teams will meet on Thursday night at UCI's Bren Events Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.